Manufacturers and
Suppliers

Most of the information in this section was taken from advertisements and
from literature provided by the companies listed, and has not been verified
by the compiler of this list. Check with the listed firm for their most
current information. All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise
specified. I would appreciate being notified if you have corrections or
additions which should be made to this list.

Over the last several years, Accucraft has developed an impressive live
steam roster and continues an active product development program in
1:20.3, 1:32 and 1:13.7 scales.

The hobby's most popular entry-level steamer is probably the Ruby,
a small Baldwin available in live steam only. It's a good
runner, has set new standards for a quality entry-level engine, and should
be especially attractive to US prototype modelers. Its modular
design made it an excellent candidate for kit-bashing.

The basic 0-4-0 Ruby started shipping in fall 1999 and is also available
in several different models (0-4-0T, 2-4-2, different tank
configurations). The basic Ruby is also available as a screw-together kit.

Accucraft has stated their intent to offer live steam versions of all
their electric locomotives and have followed through with this. They now
have an impressive range of narrow gauge rod locomotives (2-8-0, 2-6-0,
4-4-0, 4-6-0, Mason Bogie), geared industrial engines (Shay and Climax),
and finescale mainline locos (SP Daylight, 0-6-0, and cab forward, CP
Royal Hudson, etc.) in their portfolio. The latest addition is a 1:13.7
(7/8" scale)

Accucraft's UK and European dealers carry some Britsh or Euorpean locos that
are not advertised on their US web site. If you model UK or
continental railways, you should have a look there, as well. Links to
Accucraft's dealers are at the bottom of the main page on their site.

In 2006, Eric Agis-Garcin was developing a limited-production kit for a
Decauville 0-4-0 in 7/8n2 scale (1:13.7 scale, 2-foot prototype on 45mm
track).
The kits include unmachined castings, with parts for the frames, boiler,
cylinders, and superstructure. We have not been able to determine whether
this kit actually went into production or whether it is still available.

Aster is widely considered to be the producer of the finest commercially
made live steam engines in the world. Others may equal their quality, but
these are few, and their output cannot rival Aster's. Aster is the
standard to which most small-scale live steamers compare the other
builders. Aster's engines are available either ready-to-run, or as
"screwdriver kits", which may be assembled using the hand tools supplied
with the kit.

Their product line is a more or less even mix of European, Japanese, UK
and US prototypes. Most are 1:32 scale models of standard gauge engines,
with a few narrow gauge models. Depending on the engine, they may be gas,
alcohol or coal fired (or alcohol and coal, in a couple of cases).

The Aster catalogue is an
extremely valuable book, even if you don't own, or even plan to own, any
Aster engines. It's one of the best reference books available on the
mechanics of small-scale live steam locos, and should be in every
small-scale steam library.

The Aster Hobby web site has a worldwide list
of importers and suppliers. Their importers and suppliers list has
links to web sites for their representatives in North America, the UK,
Europe and Australia.

After a long hiatus, this venerable and respected marque was revived with
a lovely 0 gauge Stanier 2-6-0 Mogul locomotive. Now owned by Corgi,
another long-time British toy manufacturer, Bassett-Lowke produced a batch
of 500 of the 1930s design. In 7mm/ft scale (1:43, or European 0
scale), the engine and tender are about 20 inches long. Although it
is based heavily on the 1930s plans, there are some subtle improvements
such as a better safety valve design. It was available in two
liveries: LMS maroon and BR black. A review in the Bassett-Lowke
Society Journal, reprinted on the B-L web site, indicates that it's
a good runner, too. Alas, the run is sold out and they do not appear
to be coming onto the secondary market.

Manufacturers of 1:20 scale, 0-gauge and/or 1-gauge geared industrial
loco "Cricket". Inexpensive, butane-fired model of prototype made by John
F. Byers Machine Co. in 1890's.
Bellflower has taken over Berkeley Locomotive Works' celebrated design,
making this charming entry-level performer available again. The loco has a
single cylinder, geared to the driving axles to give impressive pulling
power. In the words of one owner, it will "pull a train up a telephone
pole". Two boiler styles are available: straight and the larger T-boiler,
giving longer runs. It is manufactured completely in the United States,
each locomotive being made to order. Contact owner Art Ruiz of Bellflower
Cal. to get on the waiting list.

The venerable Cheddar
Models was been sold in June 2005, and in September the founder, John
Woodroofe, passed away. Cheddar's marine and locomotive designs have been
bought by Stuart Models, who
continue to supply ready-to-run models as well as spare parts. Cheddar's
master boilermaker, Tim Taschimowitz, continues to produce boilers as
Cheddar Valley Steam.
Their locomotive line has, sadly, been discontinued.

Diamond/Yesteryear are the US importers and distributors for Wilesco and
Mamod.

Diamond/Yesteryear carry the Mamod locomotive line. It's at the bottom of
the ladder in terms of sophistication, and the engines were plauged with
serious quality problems toward the end of their previous life. But the
locos were redesigned in 2010 and are said to be of much better quality and
have much higher tractive effort.

Locos are available in 1 Gauge and 0 Gauge, ready-to-run or kits, with or
without rolling stock. Wagons, track and turnouts are also available
separately.

Diamond/Yesteryear's site also shows proposed reproductions of several
interesting locomotives including a Porter tender engine.

Finescale make a number of fine live steam locomotives in No. 1 scale
(1:32), as well as coaches and electrically powered loco models, including
a GWR 48XX 0-4-2T and the beautiful Duke of Glouchester Pacific in
the photo. (My first live steam driving experience was with a Finescale
Peckett, a most pleasant memory.)

Forest Classics is a dealer for Mamod, Wilesco and other well-known steam
toys. They also carry a gauge 1 Grasshopper locomotive, based on a gas-fired
vertical boiler and twin oscillating cylinders. The loco is available
ready-to-run or in kit form.

The Hemmens name has long been associated with small-scale live steam,
though the firm did not make locomotives for a long time. They now offer a
lovely "Birmingham
Dribbler", a reproduction of a very early live steam locomotive type.
Like the originals, it is intended as a floor toy, and thus no track gauge
is specified. Unlike the originals, the Hemmens dribbler runs on Sterno
pellets, rather than an alcohol wick burner. It's a charming toy, and would
make a fine mantle display piece, even if you don't intend to run it on your
railway.

IP Engineering are probably best known for the Brandbright Jane,
a super-Mamod clone styled as a Welsh quarry engine. They also
produced a limited-run batch of live-diesel engines in 1999 which were
snapped up before word of them even reached the streets. Their web
site features the Jane as well as various bits and pieces for
scratchbuilding your own 32mm gauge locos, add-ons for Jane,
wagons to pull behind them, etc.

Long-established manufacturer of stationary steam engines and
accessories, Jensen has been family owned and operated since 1932. They
still use the original patterns and dies, and their engines are largely
hand-made. They don't make any locomotives, but I admire their
historical status, so I have included them anyway.

Once upon a time, the Locomotive Works provided drawings, castings,
parts, etc. for several different live steam engines in various scales,
form the long-established "Little Engines" line. These were all standard
gauge models in 1:48 scale for 0 gauge track, 1:24 scale for gauge 3, 1:16
scale for 3.5" gauge, or 1:12 scale for 4.75" or 5" gauge. They are
the smaller scales of the former Little Engines line. Although the
line is defunct, these kits may show up from time to time.

The 1:24 and 1:48 scale locos, designed by Martin Lewis, may be built
either as Pacific or Mountain types. More information on the construction
books and castings is in the Plans and
Drawings section.

Mamod makes a wide range of steam-powered toys, and their locomotives are
often the entry point for newcomers to the hobby. Because they were
originally sold to the toy buyer, they tended to be "throttled back"
somewhat in terms of performance and efficiency. Some simple
modifications can turn a lethargic Mamod into a real performer, so don't
overlook them in your search for a beginner's engine.

In recent years, the company has revamped their locomotives with an eye
to today's steam hobbyist - older, more capable, and demanding a more
sophisticated locomotive. Current Mamod locos have gas-fired,
silver-soldered boilers. The detail level is still what one would have to
call "very low", but that's part of their charm, and they have been
successfully kitbashed by many, many steamers.

After an absence of over 60 years Märklin re-entered the steam market
again with a model of the German State Railroad Company (DR) 2-6-0 class
8962. The loco is gas-fired and radio controlled, with an
estimated running time of 10 to 20 minutes. It is equipped with
water glass, pressure valve and Märklin "claw" couplers (compatible with
Märklin's other gauge1 equipment). Minimum track radius is 1.02m.

This was followed by a massive 2-10-0 in a limited run in 2008. Alas,
both are now out of production.

Industrial models and consultancy work. Manufacturer of Gauge 1 and Gauge
0 metal wheelsets and live steam locos for Gauge 1. The locos, now under
development, are a 2-6-0 and a 4-6-0, both tender engines. They also
maintain a large second hand loco list.

Regner is the major manufacturer of live steam locomotives and parts in
Germany. They produce ready-to-run live steam locomotives for Gauge 1,
kits, parts (wheels, cylinders, boilers etc.), and traction engines.

Manufacturer of ready-to-run engines and kits in "G" scale and SM32 scale
(16mm on gauge 0). All have outside frames with Walschaerts valve gear,
and are butane fired.

If you have an internationally recognized credit card, you may order
directly from Roundhouse. Their Living
Steam
Web site has a world-wide list of Roundhouse dealers.
Roundhouse produces an extensive range of (mostly British isles)
narrow-gauge locomotives, including a gorgeous Sandy River & Rangely
Lakes 2-6-2, Darjeeling Class B, an American-style saddle tanker"Sammie",
etc..

Southern Digital carries a wide range of model railroad items in
various scales, specializing in DCC, but of interest to live steam fans is
that they are also a dealer of Accucraft and Aster Hobby live steam
locomotives.

Dealer of Aster Hobby locomotives. Their web site has a
complete roster of every Aster engine made with specifications and many
photos, a good historical reference, as well as the complete Aster
catalogue. 'Complete' means that it also includes the reference
material that makes the catalogue an indispensible part of a small-scale
steam library. The site has also begun running technical articles by
Kevin O'Connor in the Reference
section. Definitely worth bookmarking!

Summerlands make "chuff pipes" -- resonators that amplify and enhance the
exhaust beat of a steam loco -- for a number of 1 gauge and 0 gauge
locomotives. They are constructed of heavy brass, silver-soldered and
measured carefully to get the optimal acoustic effect for each locomotive
type.

In addition to their well-regarded line of track, turnouts, rail bender
and switch stands, Sunset Valley is also a dealer for Accucraft,
Roundhouse Engineering and Aster Locomotives. An online
catalogue is on their web site.

Tootle Engineering designs both live steam and electric models for 0 gauge
and 1 gauge track. Their live steamers are either built by Argyle
Locomotive Works or are based on Roundhouse
Engineering platforms. Thus, the locos should be excellent
runners.

In addition to the locos, Tootle has a line of interesting industrial
rolling stock as well as parts.

The Train Department changed hands and expanded its line of products in Nov.
2012. They are the representative of Regner in North
America, carrying steam locomotives, marine and stationary engines, as well
as Roundhouse Engineering parts and loco kits, steam oil, Welsh coal,
rolling stock, Peco track, and accessories.

Manufacturer of the Bark Box, a chuff resonator that
transforms a quiet, gas-fired locomotive into a snorting steam beast.
Available for certain Accucraft models. They are also dealers for Accucraft
Trains.

Bob Weltyk makes whistles for a wide range of 1 Gauge live steam locos,
all based on Larry Bangham's resonator design. These whistles sound deep
and loud, giving your little steamer a surprisingly convincing voice. For
a real treat, you can put a two-chime whistle on your kettle and watch
your guests jump out of their shoes.

Weltyk silver-solders the whistles' brass components, so they may be
installed in any convenient location on your loco: between the frames,
disguised as an air tank, under the cab roof, etc.

The whistles come with steam fittings for specific locomotives, so you
can easily adapt the whistle for one engine to another with similar
fittings. You may also order new locomotives with Weltyk's whistles
installed by contacting the dealers listed on the web page.

These wheel castings are the finest I have ever seen. The lost wax
process gives detail and surface finish comparable to brass or bronze
castings. Wood has hundreds of wheel patterns in 1:32, 10mm/ft (standard
gauge), 15mm/ft (3-foot narrow gauge) and 1:24 scales.

If you're scratchbuilding a locomotive, you must check out Mark Wood's
wheels. Send a self-addressed A5 envelope for a free descriptive list.